Lace wig

ABSTRACT

A wig is provided comprising a lace or mesh skull cap, wherein the skull cap comprises a stretchy lace or mesh material that comfortably conforms to the shape of a wearer&#39;s scalp and is soft and gentle against the skin, wherein the openings or interstices of the lace or mesh are capable of receiving braided strands of hair sewn directly into the skullcap. The wig is designed so that the lace or mesh shows through at the wearer&#39;s scalp where the braids change direction.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/845,446 filed Jul. 12, 2013, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Lace Wig.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a lace wig and, more particularly, the invention relates to a lace wig having elegant braided hairstyles comfortably held in place over the head by way of a lace skull cap lining the interior of the wig and securing the individual braided pieces together.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Throughout history, men and women have worn wigs and hairpieces as a practical alternative to styling, or caring for, natural hair. In ancient Egypt, people from all classes shaved their heads in order to remain comfortable in the intense African heat, donning long black wigs for social and ceremonial events. These early wigs were made of everything from palm and wool fibers, to animal or human hair, and were adorned with gold, silver and lapis beads. In ancient Rome, long blonde wigs were worn by fashionable women during the reign Emperor Claudius. In later cultures, wigs were worn mostly by women, however, after the French King Louis VIII began to wear elaborate hair pieces and wigs, the trend was once again embraced by men throughout Europe and in the “New World” of America. Today, wigs, hair pieces and extensions are worn for a variety of reasons. Whether a finely crafted wig worn by a woman who has lost her hair as a result of chemotherapy treatments or lupus, or colorful hair extensions and braids which adorn the head of a pop star: wigs, hairpieces and extensions offer people a simple means of accentuating their appearance and feeling good about themselves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are perspective views illustrating a lace wig, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the present invention is a lace wig having elegant braided hairstyles comfortably held in place over the head by way of a lace or mesh skull cap lining the interior of the wig and securing the individual braided pieces together.

FIG. 1 shows the lace wig of the present invention from a top view showing the interior of the skull cap and the attachment of the braids onto the top of the skull cap.

FIG. 2 shows the lace wig of the present invention from a bottom up view showing the interior of the mesh or lace skull cap.

FIG. 3 is a close up view of the crown of the lace wig of the present invention showing the mesh or lace skullcap having braids attached thereto, showing the lace or mesh skullcap showing through the wearer's part where the braids change direction.

A lace wig of the present invention is designed for wear by any female who suffers hair loss as a result of illness or age, as well as by those who simply want to enjoy the look of a fancy braided hairstyle, without the time consuming commitment associated with having braids professional applied. The wig is offered in both short and long hair versions. The actual hair utilized in the manufacture of the wig is comprised of synthetic or human hair, with this hair carefully braided in rows from the crown of the wig to the nape of the wig. These braids are offered in a variety of diameters, enabling the user to enjoy a number of exciting looks. Further, offerings in this line can be produced in a variety of styles, with the wig featuring bangs, side parts, center parts and long, flowing braided tresses made available. Designed to match the wearer's own, personal hair, the braided hairpieces are offered in various textures and colors to compliment African Americans. A novel feature of the present invention is the mesh or lace skullcap is designed to show through the wearer's part 18 where the braids change direction. This is shown in FIG. 3.

The most notable aspect of the lace wig 10 of the present invention is found in the intricate lining that comprises the wig's skull cap 12. Double stitched and reinforced, the skull cap 12 comprises a stretchy lace or mesh material that comfortably conforms to the shape of the wearer's scalp and is soft and gentle against the skin. The braided strands of hair 14 are threaded directly into the openings or interstices of the lace or mesh head covering, with the individual pieces sewn inside the lace or mesh cap, as opposed to merely attached to the exterior of the cap. In this manner, the wig 10 creates the look that the hair is actually growing from the scalp, thus providing the illusion of being the wearer's own, natural hair. A novel feature of the present invention is the mesh or lace skullcap is designed to show through the wearer's part 18 where the braids change direction. To further secure the wig in place, a series of lightweight and flexible clip fasteners 16 can be included for sale with the wig and can be utilized to secure the wig to the user's existing hair.

The lace or mesh skullcap can be made in any color desired, such as to match the wearer's natural scalp color, for example.

In an embodiment, the lace or mesh skullcap can be transparent, to allow the wearer's natural scalp to show through.

In an embodiment, a thin elastic band is present which follows the circumference of the wig, to help secure the wig to the wearer's head.

In an embodiment a thin elastic band is present which follows a portion of the circumference of the wig, to help secure the wig to the wearer's head.

Application and wear of the lace wig of the present invention is very simple and straight forward. Users first purchase wigs from the line in accordance to personal preference and style. By way of example, a free spirited coed might prefer a long wig boasting auburn highlights, while a business executive may prefer a stylish short design offered in a rich, ebony hue. Once purchased, the user dons the wig as they would any other wig; sliding the wig over the head and making any necessary adjustments for a secure and comfortable fit. If so desired, the user might choose to apply the included clip fasteners, securing the wig to their own, natural hair. Properly applied, the lace skull cap which comprises the interior of the wig naturally hugs the scalp, providing a secure, comfortable and custom fit. The user then enjoys the stylish braided look provided. The wig can be worn as often as desired and periodically shampooed or otherwise cared for as deemed necessary.

The lace wig of the present invention offers users a number of significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the wig provides African Americans who suffer thinning hair or total hair loss a simple means of creating the appearance of a full and thick head of braided hair. A natural-looking wig lined with soft lace material that secures the braids to the wig in a realistic manner, the wig enables users to enjoy the look of a beautiful head of braided hair, in little time and with minimal effort. Providing the wearer the confidence and sense of pride associated with a full head of hair, the wig enables children and adults who have suffered hair loss to truly put their best face forward. Although the wig will be especially appreciated by those who suffer hair loss, including those who are enduring cancer, alopecia or lupus, this professional quality line of wigs appeal to any woman or man who enjoys the look of braided hair, yet does not wish to suffer the long, tedious hours and discomfort associated with having braids professionally applied. Users will appreciate that by donning the wig, they look like they had spent an entire spent at an expensive salon, with friends, family members and passersby never knowing that in reality they are sporting a show-stopping and stylish hair piece. Another important advantage to the wig is that the lace material that comprises the wig's lining would be lightweight and comfortable to wear. Gently conforming the shape of the wearer's scalp, this lace cap provides a comfortable and secure fit that would easily accommodate the natural curves of the wearer's head. Silky soft and easily cared for, the wig can be shampooed and cared for in the same manner as the wearer's own natural hair. Effortlessly applied, the wig can be comfortably donned by those who suffer limited mobility brought on by arthritis and other medical maladies.

The lace wig of the present invention offers users an exciting, new addition to the hair care market. Offering easily applied and elegant wigs of beautifully braided hair, the wig proves a favorite of women and many men.

The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wig comprising a lace or mesh skull cap, wherein the skull cap comprises a stretchy lace or mesh material that comfortably conforms to the shape of a wearer's scalp and is soft and gentle against the skin, wherein the openings or interstices of the lace or mesh are capable of receiving braided strands of hair sewn directly into the skullcap, wherein the lace or mesh skullcap is designed to show through the wig at the wearer's part where the braids change direction.
 2. The wig comprising a lace or mesh skullcap of claim 1, wherein the skullcap is double stitched and reinforced.
 3. The wig comprising a lace or mesh skullcap of claim 1, wherein braided strands of hair are natural human hair.
 4. The wig comprising a lace or mesh skullcap of claim 1, wherein braided strands of hair are synthetic hair.
 5. The wig comprising a lace or mesh skullcap of claim 1, further comprising a series of lightweight and flexible clip fasteners to secure the wig to the user's existing hair.
 6. The wig comprising a lace or mesh skullcap of claim 1, wherein the braided strands of hair are braided in rows from the crown of the wig to the nape of the wig.
 7. The wig comprising a lace or mesh skullcap of claim 1, wherein the braids are offered in a variety of diameters, enabling the user to enjoy a number of exciting looks.
 8. The wig comprising a lace or mesh skullcap of claim 3, wherein the braided strands of hair are braided in rows from the crown of the wig to the nape of the wig.
 9. The wig comprising a lace or mesh skullcap of claim 4, wherein the braided strands of hair are braided in rows from the crown of the wig to the nape of the wig.
 10. The wig comprising a lace or mesh skullcap of claim 1, wherein the skullcap is made in a color to match the wearer's natural scalp color.
 11. The wig comprising a lace or mesh skullcap of claim 1, wherein the skullcap is made of transparent material to allow the wearer's natural scalp to show through at the part where the braids change direction.
 12. The wig comprising a lace or mesh skullcap of claim 1, further comprising a thin elastic band which follows the circumference of the wig, to help secure the wig to the wearer's head.
 13. The wig comprising a lace or mesh skullcap of claim 1, further comprising a thin elastic band which follows a portion of the circumference of the wig, to help secure the wig to the wearer's head. 